My Soldering TIP #1

Several years ago my trusty Weller Soldering Iron failed, knowing that most of my projects were going to use small SMD parts, I ordered a fancy replacement, a Hakko FX-888 Soldering Station (about $90.00) with several assorted tips, some really small tips for SMDs. The tracking information, revealed that it would be in my hands in about three weeks.

But, I needed a replacement Iron NOW, to finish a project. I went to Frys, and found a cheapy Iron that I thought I could use (about $29.00), it was a Hakko Presto 980-V12/P. It had only one smallish chisel tip, but I thought it could be used for some larger SMDs.

Well, now several years later, the expensive Hakko FX-888 with its small tips is VERY seldom used (maybe about 3%), while the cheap Hakko Presto 980-V12/P is used for most (if not all) of my projects, and I am still using the original TIP. If you have seen my projects (typically on a 0.5in x 0.7in PCB boards) you might think the FX-888 would be more appropriate, but I fould it is not.

The following are some of my projects where the Hakko Presto 980-V12/P was used:

HomeBrew Double Sided
Si570 Board

HomeBrew Double Sided Project
These are 0805 Caps, and SOT-223 Voltage Reg

I like and use the Hakko 980-V12/P, it has "Two Temps, 20W normal, and 130W push button switch", very seldom have I used the 130W button.

I have recently purchased a second Hakko 980-V12/P for my tool box.

Today I think the Hakko 980-V12/P is priced about $60.00, if you are interested in online purchase, google is your friend. see: https://www.google.com/search?q=hakko+980

I think you will like it.

BTW: I use a "wall outlet timer" to supply power to my soldering irons, if I forget, the timer turns off power to them after about 45 minutes, which saves the soldering TIPs.

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